Water conditioning systems

ABSTRACT

A portable water conditioning system is provided that includes a water conditioner, a first sensor, a second sensor, and a controller. The water conditioner has a plurality of conditioning stages that condition water. The plurality of conditioning stages include, in a direction of flow of the water through the water conditioner, a reverse osmosis stage and a deionizing stage. The first sensor detects a first condition of the water before the reverse osmosis stage. The second sensor detects a second condition of the water after the reverse osmosis stage. The controller is in communication with the first and second sensors and determines a health status of the reverse osmosis stage based the first and second conditions. The first and second conditions each include a level of total dissolved solids of the water.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Divisional Application of Non-Provisionalapplication Ser. No. 15/351,092 filed Nov. 14, 2016, which claims thebenefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/254,448 filed on Nov. 12,2015, claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/342,403filed on May 27, 2016, claims the benefit of U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 62/342,373 filed on May 27, 2016, and claims the benefitof U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/342,380 filed on May 27, 2016,the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure is related to water conditioning systems. Moreparticularly, the present disclosure is related to portable waterconditioning systems having water quality feedback and monitoringcontrols.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Water conditioners that condition incoming tap water for use in one ormore cleaning tasks are known. As used herein, the term “conditionedwater” shall mean water that has been filtered, (distilled), deionized,demineralized (e.g., via reverse osmosis), softened, anti-scaled,exposed to any other water treatment process—including the addition ofone or more additives or components, and any combinations thereof.

However, it has been determined by the present disclosure that there isa need for water conditioning systems that provide feedback to theoperator regarding the water quality especially with portable waterconditioning systems. Moreover, it has been determined by the presentdisclosure that controllers that provide such water quality feedback canbe used to optimize the utilization of the conditioning media in thesystem.

Accordingly, the present disclosure provides for water conditioningsystems that provide enhanced utility and ease of use as compared toprior art water conditioners. The water conditioning systems of thepresent disclosure advantageously provide information to the user thatcan include, for example, information related to when to change one ormore of the filter media to minimize the cost of operation.

SUMMARY

A portable water conditioning system is provided that includes waterquality feedback and monitoring controls.

A portable water conditioning system is provided that includes a waterconditioner, a first sensor, a second sensor, and a controller. Thewater conditioner has a plurality of conditioning stages that conditionwater. The plurality of conditioning stages include, in a direction offlow of the water through the water conditioner, a reverse osmosis stageand a deionizing stage. The first sensor detects a first condition ofthe water before the reverse osmosis stage. The second sensor detects asecond condition of the water after the reverse osmosis stage. Thecontroller is in communication with the first and second sensors anddetermines a health status of the reverse osmosis stage based the firstand second conditions. The first and second conditions each include alevel of total dissolved solids of the water.

In some embodiments either alone or in combination with one or more ofthe afore and/or aft mentioned embodiments, the system can furtherinclude a backpressure regulator that maintains a system pressure at apredetermined level.

In some embodiments either alone or in combination with one or more ofthe afore and/or aft mentioned embodiments, the backpressure regulatoris in communication with the controller, the controller controlling thebackpressure regulator to maintain a system pressure at thepredetermined level.

In some embodiments either alone or in combination with one or more ofthe afore and/or aft mentioned embodiments, the controller controls thewater conditioner to adjust a flow path of the water through the reverseosmosis stage based on the first and second conditions.

In some embodiments either alone or in combination with one or more ofthe afore and/or aft mentioned embodiments, the system can furtherinclude a third sensor in communication with the controller, the thirdsensor detecting a third condition of the water after the deionizingstage, wherein the third condition of the water includes a level oftotal dissolved solids.

In some embodiments either alone or in combination with one or more ofthe afore and/or aft mentioned embodiments, the controller controls thewater conditioner to adjust a flow path of the water through the reverseosmosis and deionizing stages, based on the first, second, and thirdconditions, to provide conditioned water having a desired condition.

In some embodiments either alone or in combination with one or more ofthe afore and/or aft mentioned embodiments, the controller determines ahealth status of the deionization stage based the second and thirdconditions.

In some embodiments either alone or in combination with one or more ofthe afore and/or aft mentioned embodiments, the plurality ofconditioning stages can further include a pre-filter stage prior to, inthe direction of flow of the water through the water conditioner, thereverse osmosis stage.

In some embodiments either alone or in combination with one or more ofthe afore and/or aft mentioned embodiments, the pre-filter stage is aparticle filter and/or a chlorine filter.

In some embodiments either alone or in combination with one or more ofthe afore and/or aft mentioned embodiments, the system can furtherinclude a fourth sensor in communication with the controller, the fourthsensor detecting a flow rate of the water after the pre-filter stage.

In some embodiments either alone or in combination with one or more ofthe afore and/or aft mentioned embodiments, the controller determines,based at least on the flow rate, a health status of the pre-filterstage.

In some embodiments either alone or in combination with one or more ofthe afore and/or aft mentioned embodiments, the system can furtherinclude a pump in electrical communication with the controller, the pumpboosting pressure of the water flowing through the water conditioner.

In some embodiments either alone or in combination with one or more ofthe afore and/or aft mentioned embodiments, the controller preventsactivation the pump based on the flow rate.

In some embodiments either alone or in combination with one or more ofthe afore and/or aft mentioned embodiments, the system can furtherinclude a pump in electrical communication with the controller, the pumpboosting pressure of the water flowing through the water conditioner.

In some embodiments either alone or in combination with one or more ofthe afore and/or aft mentioned embodiments, the reverse osmosis stageincludes more than one reverse osmosis stage that are arranged in theflow of water parallel with respect to one another.

In some embodiments either alone or in combination with one or more ofthe afore and/or aft mentioned embodiments, the reverse osmosis stage isa reverse osmosis membrane.

In some embodiments either alone or in combination with one or more ofthe afore and/or aft mentioned embodiments, the deionizing stage isdeionization resin.

In some embodiments either alone or in combination with one or more ofthe afore and/or aft mentioned embodiments, the system can furtherinclude a heat exchanger in communication with the controller, thecontroller controlling the heat exchanger to heat and/or cool the watergoing into and/or out of the water conditioner.

In some embodiments either alone or in combination with one or more ofthe afore and/or aft mentioned embodiments, the system can furtherinclude a chemical dispenser in electrical communication with thecontroller, the controller controlling the chemical dispenser todispense a chemical into the water going into and/or out of the waterconditioner.

In some embodiments either alone or in combination with one or more ofthe afore and/or aft mentioned embodiments, the chemical dispenserdispenses the chemical into the water by a process selected from thegroup consisting of injection into the water, drawing into the water,mixing into the water, and dissolving into the water.

In some embodiments either alone or in combination with one or more ofthe afore and/or aft mentioned embodiments, the chemical is selectedfrom the group consisting of soap, cleaning chemical, rinsant, wax,colorant, a surface modifying additive, odorant, and any combinationsthereof.

In some embodiments either alone or in combination with one or more ofthe afore and/or aft mentioned embodiments, the controller recirculatesa portion of the water exiting the reverse osmosis stage.

In some embodiments either alone or in combination with one or more ofthe afore and/or aft mentioned embodiments, the system can furtherinclude a frame having the water conditioner and controller securedthereto, the frame having wheels connected to or connectable thereto.

In some embodiments either alone or in combination with one or more ofthe afore and/or aft mentioned embodiments, the controller communicatesa status of one or more portions of the water conditioner by a methodselected from the group consisting of a visual communication on thecontroller, an audible communication from the controller, a textmessage, an email, and any combinations thereof.

In some embodiments either alone or in combination with one or more ofthe afore and/or aft mentioned embodiments, the controller wired orwirelessly communicates with one or more external devices.

In some embodiments either alone or in combination with one or more ofthe afore and/or aft mentioned embodiments, the controller determinesand stores in memory an assumed incoming water quality.

In some embodiments either alone or in combination with one or more ofthe afore and/or aft mentioned embodiments, the controller has anassumed incoming water quality based on an average of a plurality ofprior total dissolved solids measurements and/or a known water qualityat a location of the controller.

In some embodiments either alone or in combination with one or more ofthe afore and/or aft mentioned embodiments, the location of thecontroller is input into the controller or based on a GPS locationdetected by the controller.

In some embodiments either alone or in combination with one or more ofthe afore and/or aft mentioned embodiments, the controller isconfigured, based on the assumed incoming water quality and the healthstatus of the reverse osmosis stage, to determine whether or not tochange a membrane of the reverse osmosis stage.

A portable water conditioning system is provided that includes a waterconditioner, a first sensor, a second sensor, a third sensor, and acontroller. The water conditioner has a plurality of conditioning stagesthat condition water. The plurality of conditioning stages include, in adirection of flow of the water through the water conditioner, a reverseosmosis stage and a deionizing stage. The first sensor detects a firstcondition of the water before the reverse osmosis stage. The secondsensor detects a second condition of the water after the reverse osmosisstage. The third sensor detects a third condition of the water after thedeionization stage. The controller is in communication with the first,second, and third sensors and controls the water conditioner to adjust aflow path of the water through the reverse osmosis and deionizingstages, based on the first, second, and third conditions, to provideconditioned water having a desired condition.

In some embodiments either alone or in combination with one or more ofthe afore and/or aft mentioned embodiments, the controller determines ahealth status of the reverse osmosis stage based the first and secondconditions, wherein the first and second conditions each include atemperature and a level of total dissolved solids of the water.

In some embodiments either alone or in combination with one or more ofthe afore and/or aft mentioned embodiments, the controller controls thewater conditioner to adjust the flow path through the reverse osmosisstage based on the first and second conditions.

In some embodiments either alone or in combination with one or more ofthe afore and/or aft mentioned embodiments, the third condition of thewater includes a level of total dissolved solids.

In some embodiments either alone or in combination with one or more ofthe afore and/or aft mentioned embodiments, the controller determines ahealth status of the deionization stage based the second and thirdconditions.

In some embodiments either alone or in combination with one or more ofthe afore and/or aft mentioned embodiments, the plurality ofconditioning stages further includes a pre-filter stage prior to, in thedirection of flow of the water through the water conditioner, thereverse osmosis stage.

In some embodiments either alone or in combination with one or more ofthe afore and/or aft mentioned embodiments, the pre-filter stage is aparticle filter and/or a chlorine filter.

In some embodiments either alone or in combination with one or more ofthe afore and/or aft mentioned embodiments, the system can furtherinclude a fourth sensor in communication with the controller, the fourthsensor detecting a flow rate of the water after the pre-filter stage.

In some embodiments either alone or in combination with one or more ofthe afore and/or aft mentioned embodiments, the controller determines,based at least on the flow rate, a health status of the pre-filterstage.

In some embodiments either alone or in combination with one or more ofthe afore and/or aft mentioned embodiments, the system can furtherinclude a pump in electrical communication with the controller, the pumpboosting pressure of the water flowing through the water conditioner.

In some embodiments either alone or in combination with one or more ofthe afore and/or aft mentioned embodiments, the controller preventsactivation the pump based on the flow rate.

In some embodiments either alone or in combination with one or more ofthe afore and/or aft mentioned embodiments, the reverse osmosis stageincludes more than one reverse osmosis stage that are arranged in theflow of water parallel with respect to one another.

In some embodiments either alone or in combination with one or more ofthe afore and/or aft mentioned embodiments, the system can furtherinclude a heat exchanger in communication with the controller, thecontroller controlling the heat exchanger to heat and/or cool the watergoing into and/or out of the water conditioner.

In some embodiments either alone or in combination with one or more ofthe afore and/or aft mentioned embodiments, the system can furtherinclude a chemical dispenser in electrical communication with thecontroller, the controller controlling the chemical dispenser todispense a chemical into the water going into and/or out of the waterconditioner.

In some embodiments either alone or in combination with one or more ofthe afore and/or aft mentioned embodiments, the controller recirculatinga portion of the water exiting the reverse osmosis stage.

In some embodiments either alone or in combination with one or more ofthe afore and/or aft mentioned embodiments, the system can furtherinclude a frame having the water conditioner and controller securedthereto, the frame having wheels connected to or connectable thereto.

In some embodiments either alone or in combination with one or more ofthe afore and/or aft mentioned embodiments, the controller determinesand stores in memory an assumed incoming water quality.

In some embodiments either alone or in combination with one or more ofthe afore and/or aft mentioned embodiments, the assumed incoming waterquality is based on an average of a plurality of prior total dissolvedsolids measurements and/or a known water quality at a location of thecontroller.

In some embodiments either alone or in combination with one or more ofthe afore and/or aft mentioned embodiments, the location of thecontroller is input into the controller or based on a GPS locationdetected by the controller.

In some embodiments either alone or in combination with one or more ofthe afore and/or aft mentioned embodiments, the controller, based on theassumed incoming water quality and the health status of the reverseosmosis stage, determines whether or not to change a membrane of thereverse osmosis stage.

The above-described and other features and advantages of the presentdisclosure will be appreciated and understood by those skilled in theart from the following detailed description, drawings, and appendedclaims.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The patent or application file contains at least one photograph executedin color. Copies of this patent or patent application publication withcolor drawing(s) will be provided by the Office upon request and paymentof the necessary fee.

FIG. 1A is a schematic depiction of an exemplary embodiment of aportable water conditioning system according to the present disclosurein use with a water fed cleaning brush on an extension pole;

FIG. 1B illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a pole mounted flowcontrol valve;

FIG. 2A is a top, partial perspective view of a first exemplaryembodiment of a water conditioner according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 2B illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a controller for use withthe water conditioner of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 3A is a top, partial perspective view of a second exemplaryembodiment of a water conditioner according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 3B illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a controller for use withthe water conditioner of FIG. 3A;

FIG. 4 illustrates certain operational attributes of an exemplaryembodiment of a controller according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 illustrates the controller of FIG. 4 in a power up mode;

FIG. 6A illustrates the controller of FIG. 4 in an attention mode;

FIG. 6B illustrates the controller of FIG. 4 in an alternate attentionmode;

FIG. 7 illustrates the controller of FIG. 4 in a check status mode;

FIG. 8 illustrates the controller of FIG. 4 in a warning status mode;

FIG. 8A illustrates an alternate exemplary embodiment of the controllerof FIG. 4;

FIG. 9 illustrates additional operational attributes of the controllerof FIGS. 3A and 3B;

FIG. 10 is a process and instrument diagram (PNID) of an exemplaryembodiment of a water conditioning system according to the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 11 illustrates an effect on a percent rejection across RO filtersbased on temperature at four different pressures;

FIG. 12 is a table illustrating replacement of DI cartridges based onthe percent rejection across RO filters at different incoming waterqualities;

FIG. 13 illustrates various status communications output by the systemon the display regarding the health or operational status of the systemand filters; and

FIG. 14 illustrates other various communications output by the system onthe display regarding the health or operational status of the system andfilters.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to the drawings and in particular to FIG. 1A, an exemplaryembodiment of a water conditioning system according to the presentdisclosure is shown and is referred to as reference numeral 10. System10 includes a water conditioner 12 in communication with a controller14. Advantageously, controller 14 is configured to provide the operatorwith information regarding the performance of conditioner 12, allowingthe operator to operate system 10 in a manner that maximizes oroptimizes the utilization of the filter media in conditioner 12 and/orreduce operational costs.

Conditioner 12 is shown by way of example in fluid communication with awater-fed cleaning brush 16 via one or more tubes 18 and is secured toan extension pole 20 so that the conditioned water can clean a desiredsurface 22. Of course, it is contemplated by the present disclosure forconditioner 12 to find any other use for the conditioned fluid.

In some embodiments, system 10 is light weight and compact in size suchthat it can easily be transported in vans, cars, pick-up trucks, and thelike. In addition, system 10 is preferably provided on a cart formobility around a work site. Of course, other uses of system 10 arecontemplated by the present disclosure.

As discussed above, “conditioned water” means water that has beenfiltered, deionized, demineralized, softened, exposed any other watertreatment process—including the addition of one or more additives orcomponents, and any combinations thereof. Accordingly, conditioner 12can include any filter media sufficient to provide the conditionedwater. For example, conditioner 12 can include filter media such as, butnot limited to, a particle filter, a chlorine filter (i.e., activatedcarbon), an ion remover (e.g., deionization resin and/or reverse osmosismembrane), a UV sterilizer, and any combinations thereof. Whendisclosing “particle filtration”, it is contemplated by the presentdisclosure for conditioner 12 to be sufficient for any desiredfiltration level such as, but not limited to, nano-filtration,ultra-filtration, micro-filtration, and others.

Regarding the addition of one or more additives or chemicals, it iscontemplated by the present disclosure for conditioner 12 to add theadditives or chemicals via injection into the flow stream, drawing intothe flow stream, mixing or dissolving into the flow stream, and anyother additive method. Moreover, it is contemplated for system 10 to addthe additives before or after conditioner 12. It is contemplated for theadditives to be added automatically or selectively by the user—with theselective addition being possible via the display or remote as describedherein below. Further and disclosed herein below, it is contemplated bythe present disclosure for conditioner 12 to heat, cool, or otherwisemodify or treat the water.

By of example, system 10 and/or conditioner 12 can be configured tocondition the water by adding, before or after the conditioner, anadditive such as, but not limited to, a general purpose cleaning agent,muric acid, a sealer agent, a protectant, bleach, vinegar, an anti-moldagent, an antibacterial agent, a nanotechnology agent, combinations ofthe foregoing, and others.

By way of example, conditioner 12 can be a pure water system as shownand described in Applicant's own U.S. application Ser. No. 14/684,071filed on Apr. 10, 2015, the contents of which are incorporated in theirentirety herein. Conditioner 12 can also include the system as shown anddescribed in Applicant's own U.S. Application Ser. No. 62/160,832 filedon May 13, 2015, the contents of which are incorporated in theirentirety herein.

Referring now to FIGS. 2a and 2b , an exemplary embodiment ofconditioner 12 is shown. Conditioner 12 includes a frame 24 retaining aplurality of conditioning stages 28. Frame 24 can, in some embodiments,be configured for mobile uses and, thus, can include wheels connected toor connectable to the frame. Moreover, it is contemplated by the presentdisclosure for frame 24 to be configured for movement by devices, suchas, but not limited to carts, hand trucks, dollies, and the like.

In the illustrated embodiment, stages 28 include a pre-filter stage 30,at least one reverse osmosis (RO) stage 32 (two shown), and a deionizing(DI) stage 34. When conditioner 12 includes more than one RO stage 32,it is contemplated by the present disclosure for the RO stages to bealigned serially with respect to one another or parallel with respect toone another—with respect to the flow. The embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 2a and 2b includes, in a direction of flow through conditioner 12,pre-filter stage 30, two parallel RO stages 32, and DI stage 34. Ofcourse, other positions and combinations stages 30, 32, 34 arecontemplated by the present disclosure.

Stages 28 are illustrated by way of example only as being securedtogether in a unitary system. Of course, it is contemplated by thepresent disclosure for stages 28 to be separate from, but in fluidcommunication with one another and electrically communicating withcontroller 14.

Conditioner 12 is controlled and monitored by controller 14, asdescribed in more detail below, to selectively pass incoming waterthrough one or more of stages 30, 32, 34 to provide conditioned water ofdesired quality.

Additionally, it should be recognized that conditioner 12 is describedherein by way of example only. Of course, it is contemplated by thepresent disclosure for conditioner 12 to include any number of differentwater conditioning stages 28 that are fluidly connectable to one anotherin series, in parallel, and any combinations thereof.

Referring now to FIGS. 3a and 3b , another exemplary embodiment ofconditioner 12 is shown. Here, conditioner 12 is substantially similarto that shown in FIGS. 2a and 2b , but further includes a motorized pump26 on frame 24. Pump 26 can be configured to boost pressure of waterflowing within condition 12. Additionally, pump 26 can be configured torecirculate a portion of the water exiting RO stages 32 as describedherein below. Pump 26 can be any desired pumping device including, butnot limited to, AC pumping devices, DC pumping devices, and anycombinations thereof. Of course, it is also contemplated by the presentdisclosure for conditioner 12 to find use with no pump 32, but rather tobe fed with water at normal line or tap pressure.

When present, pump 26 can be powered by power source 56 that can includea battery source and/or a line source as shown in FIGS. 2b and 3b .Source 56 can be a utility source and/or a gas engine and/or a generatoror others.

The embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 3a and 3b includes, in a directionof flow through conditioner 12, pre-filter stage 30, two RO stages 32,and DI stage 34.

Incoming tap water enters conditioner 12 at flow A. Controller 14 cancontrol conditioner 12 to allow flow A to enter pre-filter stage 30 orbypass the pre-filter stage as needed. Water exiting or bypassingpre-filter stage 30 enters pump 26 at flow B and exits the pump at flowC.

Controller 14 can control conditioner 12 to allow water exiting pump 26at flow C to enter RO stages 32 at flow D, to bypass the RO stages andenter DI stage 34 at flow F, or to bypass both the RO and DI stages andexit the conditioner at one or more output flows G1, G2, G3 (threeshown)—where each of the outflow flows is selectively connectable to adifferent water-fed cleaning brush 16 or any other cleaning device.

When controller 14 controls conditioner 12 to allow water exiting pump26 at flow C to enter RO stages 32 at flow D, the conditioner preferablyincludes a manifold or other flow divider (not shown) that divides flowC into two flow D's as show. RO stages 32 are, as known in the art,configured to separate incoming flow D into a permeate flow E1 and aconcentrate flow E2.

Controller 14 controls conditioner 12 to allow the permeate flow E1 toeither enter DI stage 34 at flow F, or bypass the DI stage and exit theconditioner at conditioner at one or more output flows G1, G2, G3 (threeshown). It should be recognized that conditioner 12 is illustratedhaving one permeate flow E1 and one permeate flow E2. Of course, each ROstage 32 in conditioner 12 outputs both flows E1, E2. Conditioner 12 canbe configured to allow the flows E1, E2 to be handled separately and/orto allow the two permeate flows E1 to be recombined via a manifold (notshown) and/or to allow the two concentrate flows E2 to be recombined viaanother manifold (not shown).

Controller 14 controls conditioner 12 to allow the concentrate flow E2to either exit the conditioner to waste and/or to recirculate into theflow before pump 26—namely into flow B.

It should be recognized that pump 26 is illustrated by way of example asbeing present in conditioner 12 before RO stages 32. Of course, it iscontemplated by the present disclosure for pump 26 to be located afterRO stages 32 or both before and after the RO stages.

It is further contemplated for controller 14 to detect one or moreoperational attributes of the motor and/or pump 26 such as, but notlimited to, current, voltage, temperature, speed, flow rate, pressure,and others—and adjust the operation of conditioner 12 based on theseattributes. For example, controller 14 can opening and/or close one ormore valves (not shown) to control the flow through system 10, as wellas provide different levels of flow, pressure, temperature, and thelike.

The operation of controller 14 will be described in more detail withsimultaneous reference to FIGS. 2b, 3b , and 4-8.

Controller 14 includes a panel region 36 and a processor and/or circuitboard 38 having one or more displays, gauges, buttons, switches, orother common control elements. In the illustrated, controller 14includes one or more of a power button 40, a display 42, a plurality ofstage switches and/or indicators 44 (“switches”), a pressure gauge 46,and a reset button 48. Controller 14 also includes one or more sensors50, 50-1, 52, 54 and a power source 56.

Power button 40 can operatively connect controller 14 to power source56. Power source 56 can be a battery source and/or a line source asshown in FIGS. 2b and 3b . In some embodiments, the battery source canbe a rechargeable battery that is recharged by the line source, by asolar panel on the system or others.

Controller 14 can be configured, in some embodiments and as shown inFIG. 5, so that power button 40 operates—at least in part—as a “wakemode” button. Alternately and as shown in FIG. 10 and discussed indetail below, controller 138 can be turned on and off using flowdiversion control 206.

In the embodiment of FIG. 5, controller 14 can be configured toselectively turn on or off elements such as, but not limited to, pump26, display 42, and switches 44 after a selected period of time so as topreserve power from power source 56, while continuing to control system10 as needed.

Display 42 can be any display technology such as, but not limited toLCD, LED, digital, touch, but is preferably an LCD display that providesthe operator with information regarding the operation of system 10. Forexample, and as seen in FIGS. 2b and 3b , display 42 can indicate a“status” or “condition” of stages 30, 32, and 34. Also and as seen inFIGS. 6a and 6b , display 42 can take on any desired shape or sizedepending on the information to be displayed.

Controller 14 is configured to rotate or change the informationdisplayed on display 42 by way of switches 44. Thus, the operator canactivate any one of switches 44 to check the status or condition ofstage 30, 32, 34 on display 42 as shown in FIG. 7, with controller 14operating in a check status mode. In the illustrated embodiment wheresystem 10 has one pre-filter stage 30, two RO stages 32, and one DIstage 34, controller 14 has four switches 44. Of course, it iscontemplated by the present disclosure for controller 14 to have anydesired number of switches 44 that correspond or differ from the numberof stages 28. Further, it is contemplated by the present disclosure forcontroller 14 to have one or more other switches that allow the user toverify the status of any other component controlled by the controller.

In addition to or instead of rotating or changing the informationdisplayed on display 42 by way of switches 44, controller 14 can, insome embodiments such as that shown in FIGS. 6a, 6b , and 8, beconfigured to control the switches so that the switches themselves actas indicators to provide visual feedback to the operator as to thestatus of the particular stage 28.

For example, switches 44 can include LED indicators that are controlledby controller 14 to illuminate: in a first color (e.g. green—FIGS. 6a-6b) when the particular stage 28 has an acceptable operating status; in asecond color (e.g., yellow—FIG. 7) when the particular stage has a lessthan optimal operating status; and in a third color (e.g., red—FIG. 8)when the particular stage has a failed or replacement operating status.When indicating a warning status or replacement status, controller 14 isoperating in a warning mode to warn the operator that the quality ofwater from system 10 is approaching or has fell below an acceptablewater quality. Controller 14 can be configured to communicate the statusof system 10 directly to the operator and/or with a remote system ormanager via visual, audible, text message, email, and others.Preferably, controller 14 provides an audible communication.

In some embodiments where switches 44 act as indicators, the operatorcan depress and hold switch 44 for a particular stage 28, or othercomponent of system 10, of interest to check the status or condition ofthat stage, at which point the switch will illuminate in the first,second, or third color, respectively.

In some embodiments and as shown in FIG. 8a , switches 44 can includeswitches 44 a that allow the operator to toggle through various menus orscreens within controller 14 and displayed on display 42. Additionallyand instead of reset button 48, controller 14 can include stop button 48a that finds use with embodiments such as that shown in FIG. 10 havingdiversion control 206, which is described in detail below. In short,stop button 48 a can be configured to control controller 14 to stopsystem 10 by overriding any startup or shutdown programs, if included.Here, controller 14 lacks power button 40—as system 10 is started andstopped in this embodiment via diversion control 206 as described below.

In some embodiments, when switch 44 is depressed, the display 42 showsdetailed information about the particular stage 28 that was selectedsuch as but not limited to a measurement of water quality, a life of thestage media, and others.

In some embodiments, controller 14 can allow the operator to select theacceptable water quality for a particular task being performed. By wayof example, it is contemplated that an operator arrives at a locationfor a prearranged task. Controller 14 can be programmed to a desiredwater quality before arriving at the location, based on an input fromthe operator at the location, based on a GPS signal received bycontroller indicating the location of system 10, and others.

For example, when system 10 is used in the cleaning of solar panels, itis contemplated by the present disclosure for controller 14 to controlthe system to output water with a TDS of less than 50. However, whensystem 10 is used in the cleaning of windows, it is contemplated by thepresent disclosure for controller 14 to control the system to outputwater with a TDS of less than 20.

For example, the work order indicating what work is to be performed at aparticular location can include a bar code or other machine readablecode. Here, controller 14 can include the necessary hardware and/orsoftware to allow the operator to input the task to be performed basedon a scan of the work order. In some embodiments, the scan of the workorder can be performed by the user's smart phone—which is incommunication with controller 14. Similarly, the GPS signal or otherinput to controller 14 can be made from an application (i.e., “App”) onthe user's smart phone. Thus, the “App” makes use of the costly hardwareand software already resident on the user's smart phone to input data tocontroller 14.

As an example, controller 14 could be simplified to have simple outputvalues and then the end user could enter the data into the App on theirsmart phone and the App could tell them how system 10 is operating,what, if any, issues exist and provide information on what steps can betaken to improve the operation of the system. In another embodiment,controller 14 can transmit information to and from the App via a wiredor wireless communication such as, but not limited to, RF, Bluetooth,Wifi, etc. and the smart phone could provide signals and information asneeded. Controller 14 can also be controlled remotely via a remotedesigned for the system or a smart phone via any wired or wirelesscommunication such as, but not limited to, RF, Bluetooth, Wifi, etc.

Pressure gauge 46 can be one or more analog gauge (FIG. 4), one or moredigital gauges (not shown), a pressure sensor (FIG. 3), and anycombinations thereof. It should be recognized that pressure gauge 46 isshown by way of example only as positioned at incoming flow A. Ofcourse, it is contemplated by the present disclosure for gauge 46 to bein any desired position within system 10.

Additionally, it is contemplated by the present disclosure forconditioner 12 to include one or more pressure relief valves (FIG. 10)that are controlled by pressure gauges 46—or preferably operate withoutthe need for input from the pressure gauges to automatically relievepressure from any portion of the conditioner. For example, the pressurerelieve valves can be a mechanical pressure relief valve, a pressurerelief rupture disk, an electronic pressure relief valve, any otherrelief device, or combinations thereof. Here, gauges 46 and/or therelief valve can, in some embodiments, be in wired and/or wirelesscommunication with controller 14 so that the valve can be activated bycontroller and gauges as needed.

In some embodiments, controller 14 can be configured to calculate avolume of water processed, in any desired unit of measure (e.g., gallonsor liters), using run timer 46-1. For example, controller 14 can use aninput of elapsed time from timer 46-1 to determine an estimated volumeof water that has been processed. In some embodiments, timer 46-1 can beactivated to commence tracking an amount of water processed based on apressure from pressure sensor 46, which activates and/or wakes the timerfor measuring the usable life of pre-filter stage 30.

Controller 14 is configured to indicate the first, second, and thirdcolors of switch 44 for pre-filter stage 30 based on the volume of waterprocessed by pre-filter stage 30 as determined from timer 46-1 and, whenutilized, sensor 46. Of course, it is contemplated by the presentdisclosure for controller 14 to include a flow meter or other sensor orcombination of sensors (digital and/or analog) configured to provide avolume of incoming water that has been processed. Also, it iscontemplated by the present disclosure for controller 14 to beconfigured to provide be more or less levels of colors to provide theoperator with more or less information as desired for differentscenarios/usages.

In some embodiments, controller 14 includes a reset relay 48-1 thatautomatically shuts down or at least reduces a flow of water throughsystem 10 in the event that a predetermined number of gallons have beenprocessed. After servicing or replacing pre-filter stage 30, theoperator can reset relay 48-1 via reset button 48. It is alsocontemplated by the present disclosure for controller 14 to trip relay48-1 (or any other trip device) as needed based on the inputs of any ofthe sensors 50, 50-1, 52, 54 or any other input (e.g., from RFID, App,etc.) in conditioner 12. In other embodiments, controller 14 can resetrelay 48-1 by holding down the switch 44 of the particular stage thathas been serviced for a predetermined period time.

A more detailed discussion of the operation of processor 38 and sensors50, 50-1, 52, 54 will be discussed with reference to FIG. 3b . System 10is advantageously configured to include sensor 50-1 that detects aquality of incoming water. Sensor 50-1 can be before or after pre-filterstage 30, when present.

It has been determined by the present disclosure that the cost of resinin DI stage 34 far outweighs the cost of filter in RO stage(s) 32 pervolume of purified water. Advantageously, controller 14 is configured toensuring that the filters in RO stage(s) 32 are operating properly toavoid, mitigate, or reduce the utilization of resin in DI stage 34.

In the illustrated embodiment, controller 14 uses the input from sensor50—positioned before RO stage 32 and the input from sensor 52—positionedafter the RO stage to determine an efficiency of the RO stage—which iscommonly referred to as the “percent rejection”. The percent rejectionis a determination of the percent of dissolved solids that are rejectedby the membrane present in RO stage 32. The dissolved solids that arerejected remain in the concentrate flow (i.e., a flow of concentrateddissolved solids), while any dissolved solids that are not rejected passthrough the membrane to the permeate flow.

In one example, controller 14 performs a simple compare of the inputsfrom sensors 50, 52 to indicate the first, second, and third colors ofswitches 44 for RO stage 32. In one exemplary embodiment, controller 14determines the percent rejection between sensors 50 and 52. For example,controller 14 can determine that the TDS of water at sensor 50 (i.e.,entering RO stage 32) is 400 parts per million (PPM)—typically via ameasurement of the conductivity of the water—and that the TDS at sensor52 (i.e., exiting the RO stage) is at 20 ppm—again by measuring theconductivity of the water, resulting in a percent rejection of 95%.

Controller 14 can be configured to alert the operator with the firstcolor (e.g., green) when the percent rejection is below a firstthreshold, with the second color (e.g., yellow) when the percentrejection is below the first threshold but above a second threshold, andwith the third color (e.g., red) when the percent rejection is below thesecond threshold.

Further, controller 14 uses the input from sensor 54, positioned afterDI stage 34, to indicate an outgoing water quality. Controller 14 usesthe input from sensor 54 to indicate the first, second, and third colorsof switch 44 for DI stage 34.

In the illustrated embodiment, sensors 50, 52, 54 are sensors thatdetect total dissolved solids (TDS). Here, controller 14 calculates adifferential between TDS in and TDS out of the filters at RO stage 32,and if desired, DI stage 34 and can display this information to the uservia display 42. In some embodiments as shown in FIG. 9, display 42 canbe large enough to show the information for all sensors 50, 50-1, 52, 54all the time. In other embodiments as shown in FIG. 6a , display 42 canbe smaller so as to display information from only one sensor 50, 50-1,52, 54 at time. Here, switches 44 can be configured to change display 42to cycle between the different sensors 50, 50-1, 52, 54 to provide theinformation depending on which button was depressed.

In some embodiments, controller 14 can include one or more sensorsconfigured to detect any property or quality of the water such as, butnot limited to, flow rate, time interval, pressure, chlorine level, saltlevel, mineral levels, metal levels (e.g., iron), temperature,viscosity, resistivity, pH level, conductivity, and others.

Controller 14 can be configured to optimize the life of the membranes inRO stage 32 by flushing the membranes as needed. Without wishing to bebound by any particular theory, it is believed that flushing concentratefrom the membranes of RO stage 32—based on inputs from one or more ofsensors 50, 50-1, 52, and 54—can extend the life of the membranes or, atleast maintain the RO stages in an optimal working condition. Thus,controller 14 can be configured to automatically flush one or both ROstages 32 at any predetermined time or before/after any desired action.For example, controller 14 can automatically flush RO stages 32 atstartup, shutdown, at some pre-determined number of gallons processed,after some length of run time, at a recirculation pump backpressure, areduction in flow or efficiency, an increased backpressure through themembranes, and others.

Additional features and functionality of controller 14 will beappreciated with reference to FIG. 9.

For example, it has been determined by the present disclosure thatchlorine is particularly aggressive in fouling RO stage 32.Additionally, it has been determined by the present disclosure that thepresence of chlorine after pre-filter stage 30 can be used as anindicator that the pre-filter stage is no longer effectively removingthe desired chlorine levels.

As discussed above, controller 14 can estimate the useable life ofpre-filter stage 30 based on volume of water processed as detected bytimer 46-1 or based on a direct measurement of volumes via flow sensors(e.g., sensors 184, 204 in FIG. 10).

Additionally either alone or in combination with timer 46-1, controller14 can, in some embodiments, include a chlorine sensor 60 (FIG. 9) andan associated switch/indicator 44. Sensor 60 and associatedswitch/indicator 44 can indicate in the first, second, third colorsbased on the level of chlorine that has passed through pre-filter 30. Inone embodiment, controller 14 can estimate a level of chlorine that haspassed through pre-filter 30 based on a chlorine level of the water asindicated by sensor 60 and a volume of the water that passed through thepre-filter.

Of course, it is contemplated by the present disclosure for system 10 todetermine a health of pre-filter 30 by any desired method such as, butnot limited to, a number of hours of use, a pressure change across thepre-filter, or any other attribute indicative of the health of thepre-filter. In the embodiment illustrated, the associatedswitch/indicator 44 only indicates when the chlorine level exceeds apredetermined threshold.

One or more portions of stages 30, 32, 34 can include RFID chips 62,respectively, which can be detected by controller 14 to ensure properplacement by the operator of the correct consumable filter componentsinto conditioner 12.

Display 42 can include a backlight 64 to provide better illumination tothe display.

Controller 14 can include any desired number or type of communicationdevices and/or ports to allow input and/or output signals 66 ofinformation to and from processor 38 including, but not limited to,HDMI, USB, GPS, WiFi, data logs, sound, Bluetooth, RF, and others.Example these capabilities allow the end user to adjust the systemwithout having to walk back to the unit as well as provide informationto the main office to order supplies or spare parts, track usage ofresin, cost and profits of the job, location of the job, etc. as well asto the manufacturer regarding the performance of the system to makeimprovements to the design or manufacturing including performance,features for different applications, end user needs, etc.

Controller 14 can further control one or more of a heat exchanger 68, achemical dispenser 70, a secondary or high pressure motorized pump 72,and one or more valves 74.

Controller 14 can control heat exchanger 68 to heat and/or cool watergoing into and/or out of conditioner 12 as desired.

Controller 14 can control dispenser 70 to dispense a chemical such as,but not limited to, soaps, cleaning chemicals, rinsants, waxes,colorants, additives including but not limited nanotechnology additivesto modify the surface being cleaned, odorants, and others.

Controller 14 can control pump 72 to increase or decrease the pressureof water exiting conditioner 12 to a desired pressure—either alone or incombination with pump 26 (before and/or after RO stages 32) whenpresent.

Conditioner 12 can include valves 74 controlled by controller 14, toallow the controller to bypass or divert water, or a portion of water,in system 10 around one or more of stages 28 and/or shut off or adjustthe operation of pump 26. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 9,conditioner 12 includes two valves 74 configured to allow controller 14to divert water exiting RO stages 32 from passing through DI stage 34and into sensor 54. In this manner, controller 14 can adjust the purityof water exiting conditioner 12 to a desired level.

In other embodiments, valves 74 can be positioned before and/or afterany of stages 28. For example, controller 14 can control valves 74 todivert incoming water past all of stages 28 during a first or initialconditioning step, then control the valves to pass the water throughpre-filter stage 30 and RO stages 32 until such time as the pre-filterand RO stages are no longer capable of providing water of the desiredquality, at which time the controller can control the valves to pass thewater through DI stage 34.

Simply stated, controller 14 is configured to control valves 74 toprovide water of a desired quality depending on the cleaning task to beperformed. Moreover, controller 14 is configured to adjust, based on—forexample—the inputs from sensors 50, 52, 54, the amount of water flowingthrough stages 28 to maintain the desired quality while maximizing theutilization of the consumable filter media within the stages.

For example, the end user could set the outgoing flow G1, G2, G3 to aparticular TDS level and system 10 can control the flow of water throughconditioner 12 to bypass one or more stages 28, such as DI stage 34 toavoid wasting resin. If the end user is cleaning solar panels and wantsa level of 50 TDS maximum and after the incoming water goes throughpre-filter stage 30 and RO stages 32 the water is at this desired level,then controller 14 can divert the water around DI stage 34.

Controller 14 can also control valves 74 as automatic shut-off valves inthe event that flow of water through one or more portions of conditioner12 is restricted or the supply of water into the conditioner drops belowa predetermined level or pressure drops within the conditioner for anyreason.

In other embodiments, controller 14 can control valves 74 to adjust aratio of concentrate and permeate flow through RO stage 32, which canextend the useable life through the membrane in the RO stage based onthe desired water quality.

It should be recognized that valves 74 have been illustrated as beingcontrolled by controller 14 by way of example only. Of course, it iscontemplated by the present disclosure for valves 74 to be manuallyoperated. Such manually operated valves can be positioned on system 10,on the incoming water supply, on the outgoing water supply, and anycombinations thereof.

In some embodiments, manually operated valves can be in wired and/orwireless communication with controller 14—such that the controller canadjust the operation of one or more aspects of system 10 based on aposition or state of the valve—such as described in more detail withrespect to diversion control 206 in FIG. 10.

In one example shown in FIG. 1B, pole 20 can include valve 74-1, notcontrolled by controller 14, where the valve can restrict flow fromsystem 10 through tube 18. In some embodiments, valve 74-1 can be inwired and/or wireless communication with controller 14—such that thecontroller can adjust the operation of one or more aspects of system 10based on a position or state of valve 74-1.

In still other embodiments, controller 14 can be configured to controlthe flow of water through stages 28 based on, at least in part, a costbenefit analysis comparing the cost of DI resin in DI stage 34 to thecost of the membranes in RO stage 32 to achieve water of the desiredquality at sensor 54 based on the incoming water quality at sensor 50.

It has been determined by the present disclosure that collection of datafrom controller 14 is particularly useful to ensure conditioned waterquality at the lowest cost. For example based on the GPS location ofcontroller 14, the operator can access a database (not shown) ofincoming water quality via the controller or a master system 76 incommunication with the controller.

Here, it can be determined—for example that system 10 can be preferablyset up to operate with two pre-filter stages 30, one RO stage 32, andone DI stage 34 based on the known incoming water quality and thedesired outgoing water quality. Advantageously, system 10 can, in someembodiments, be configured so that each stage 28 can be removablyconnected to frame 24 to accommodate the desired stages. In someembodiments, controller 14, frame 24, and stages 28 can be configured toautomatically detect the configuration of system 10 (i.e., the numberand position of stages 30, 32, 34 within the system).

In some embodiments, system 10 is configured to operate even in theevent of failure of controller 14. Here, system 10 can include anoverride or manual operation control, which allows the operator tobypass or deactivate controller 14 and its various sensors and programs,yet still provide operating power to pump 26. Further, system 10 is alsoconfigured so that the operator can, when in the bypassed mode, manuallyoperate the various valves in the system to provide pure water.

Referring now to FIG. 10, a process and instrument diagram (PNID) of anexemplary embodiment of another water conditioning system 110 accordingto the present disclosure is shown with component parts performingsimilar or analogous functions to those of system 110 labeled inmultiples of one hundred.

Water is input into system 110 at inlet 180. In some embodiments, system110 includes a sensor 182 that measures a total dissolved solids (TDS)and temperature of the incoming water at or proximate inlet 180. Firstsensor 182 is in wired and/or wireless communication with controller 138so that the controller has access to the measurements detected by thefirst sensor.

The incoming water is then conditioned by a pre-filter 130 to at leastpartially condition the water. System 110 includes a flow sensor 184 todetermine a state of the water exiting pre-filter 130 such as, but notlimited to a flow rate prior to pump 126 the incoming flow rate andminimum flow prior to turning on the pump. Flow sensor 184 is in wiredand/or wireless communication with controller 138 so that the controllerhas access to the measurements detected by the second sensor. Forexample, controller 138 can use the measurement of flow detected bysensor 184 to notify a user when to change pre-filter 130.

System 110 can further include a pressure relief valve 186 that relievespressure in the event a desired maximum pressure is exceed. Valve 186can be a mechanical pressure relief valve, a pressure relief rupturedisk, an electronic pressure relief valve, any other relief device, orcombinations thereof. Valve 186 can, in some embodiments, be in wiredand/or wireless communication with controller 138 so that the valve canbe activated by controller as needed.

Pump 126 is in wired and/or wireless communication with controller 138so that the controller controls one or more parameters of the pump. Forexample, controller 138 can control a speed of pump 126, a pressureinduced by the pump, a flow rate induced by the pump, turn the pump onor off, and any other desired control functions.

System 110 can, in some embodiments, include a TDS and temperaturesensor 150 to determine the quality of the water entering RO filters132, preferably in the recirculation loop. Third sensor 150 is in wiredand/or wireless communication with controller 138 so that the controllerhas access to the measurements detected by the third sensor.

Water passing through RO filters 132 is conditioned by the RO filters,which separates the water into a waste or concentrate stream 188 and aconditioned or permeate stream 190.

Beginning with the flow of permeate stream 190, system 110 can include aTDS sensor 152 to determine a final state of the permeate stream. Sensor152 can include a temperature and/or flow sensor. Sensor 152 is in wiredand/or wireless communication with controller 138 so that the controllerhas access to the measurements detected by the sensor. It should beunderstood that sensor 152 can be multiple sensors configured to detectthe desired attributes.

System 110 further includes a bypass valve 192 that is in wired and/orwireless communication with controller 138 so that the controller canoperate the valve between a first position 194 that places the permeatestream in fluid communication with DI filter 134 or a second position196 that places the permeate stream in fluid communication with a wastewater outlet 198.

In some embodiments, valve 192 can further be controlled by controller138 to operate to a third position 200 that places the permeate streamin fluid communication with pure water outlet 202—such as may occur whenthe performance of RO filters 132 provide the permeate stream withsufficient water quality as determined by sensor 152.

In instances where valve 192 is controlled to place the permeate streamin fluid communication with DI filter 134, the permeate stream isfurther conditioned by the DI filter.

System 110 includes a TDS sensor 154 to determine a state of theconditioned stream after DI filter 134 and before the conditioned waterexits the system at outlet 202. Sensor 154 is in wired and/or wirelesscommunication with controller 138 so that the controller has access tothe measurements detected by the sensor.

Returning now to the flow of concentrate stream 188, system 110 includesa flow sensor 204 to determine (e.g., measure) the flow of theconcentrate stream. Sensor 204 is in wired and/or wireless communicationwith controller 138 so that the controller has access to themeasurements detected by the sensor. Of course, it is contemplated bythe present disclosure for sensor 204 to determine the flow of thepermeate stream.

System 110 further includes diversion control 206. Diversion control206, preferably, includes a valve 208, a start position sensor or switch210, and a stop position sensor or switch 212. Sensors 210, 212 are inwired and/or wireless communication with controller 138. Valve 208and/or sensor 210 are positioned and configured to allow the sensor 210to detect when the valve 208 is in a “start position” such as when thevalve is in contact or otherwise sensed by sensor 210. Similarly, valve208 and/or sensor 212 are positioned and configured to allow the sensor212 to detect when the valve 208 is in a “stop position” such as whenthe valve is in contact or otherwise sensed by sensor 212.

Valve 208, when in the start position, is closed or mostly closed tominimize the flow through concentrate stream 188 and maximize the flowthrough permeate stream 190. Conversely, valve 208, when in stopposition, is open or mostly opened to maximize the flow throughconcentrate stream 188 and minimize the flow through permeate stream190.

System 110 is configured to operate in a startup mode when diversioncontrol 206 is moved to the start position, with controller 138detecting from sensor 210 that valve 208 is in the start position.During startup mode, valve 192 is moved to second position 196 and pump126 is turned on—if there is enough flow of water detected by sensor184—by controller 138 so that any high TDS water that has collected onthe permeate side of the membrane in RO filter 132 is discharged throughoutlet 198. In this manner, system 110 provides the startup mode, whichis believed to transfer water having high TDS from RO filters 132 tooutlet 198 and, thus, preventing high TDS water at startup fromprematurely depleting the resin in DI filter 134.

For example, system 110 can be configured to, upon controller 138detecting from sensor 210 that knob 208 is in the start position,control the controller to turn on pump 126 and move valve 192 to secondposition 196, sending permeate stream 190 to waste for a predeterminedperiod of time. System 110 operates in the startup mode for apredetermined period of time that is, preferably, a period of timesufficient to transfer the high TDS water that is within RO filters 132to waste outlet 198. The predetermined period of time may be a setperiod or may be determined by controller based on inputs from one ormore of sensors 182, 184, 150, 152, 154, and 204.

After the predetermined period of time, controller 138 controls valve192 to move the valve to first position 194 so that that the permeatestream 190 is fluidly communicated to DI filter 134, providingconditioned water from the DI filter to water outlet 202.

In embodiments where valve 192 includes third position 200, controller138 can be further configured to control valve 192—after completion ofthe predetermined period of time or may be determined by controllerbased on inputs from one or more of sensors 182, 184, 150, 152, 154, and204—to move to the valve to third position 200 so that permeate stream190 is in fluid communication with pure water outlet 202 without passingthrough DI filter 134—as may occur when the performance of RO filters132 provide the permeate stream with sufficient water quality asdetermined by sensor 152, providing conditioned water from the ROfilters to water outlet 202.

It should be recognized that, in this embodiment, valve 192 is disclosedby way of example as having three positions. Of course, it iscontemplated by the present disclosure for valve 192 to be a combinationof different multiple 2-way valves to accomplish the same function.

Valve 208 can be adjusted by the user and/or by controller 138,dependent on a rotational position of the valve between the start andstop positions, to adjust the flow through concentrate stream 188 andpermeate stream 190 as desired.

In some embodiments, system 110 can include a timer in controller 138that only activates the aforementioned startup mode when the controllerdetects that the system has been off for more than a predeterminedperiod of time. Here, the predetermined period of time within whichcontaminates within RO filter 132 pass from the concentrate side of themembrane to the permeate side. In some embodiments, system 110 isconfigured to use signals from sensor 152 or one or more other sensorsto determine whether to begin the startup mode.

In other embodiments, it is contemplated by the present disclosure forcontroller 138 to move valve 192 to second position 196 during start upwhen sensor 152 detect TDS level above a predetermined level and keepvalve 192 in the second position until the TDS levels at sensor 152drops below an acceptable predetermined level, at which time controller138 can move valve 192 to first position 194 to place permeate stream190 in fluid communication with DI filter 134 or can move valve 192 tothird position 200 to place permeate stream 190 in fluid communicationwith outlet 202.

Once the startup mode is completed, system 110 can be considered to beoperating in a normal or operational mode.

System 110 is also configured—via controller 138—to operate in ashutdown mode when diversion control 206 is moved to the stop positionas detected by sensor 212. As discussed above, diversion control206—when valve 208 is in the stop position maximize flow of concentratestream 188 and minimizes flow through permeate stream 190 by reducingthe back pressure on the concentrate line—which flushes an increasedflow across the membrane to clean the membrane.

During the shutdown mode, system 110 is configured to flush water,preferably at about 3 gallons per minute, through each RO filter 132 tooutlet 198, which is believed to remove scale and particulate matterfrom the RO filters, thus extending the life of the membranes in the ROfilters.

For example, system 110 can be configured to, upon controller 138detecting from sensor 212 that valve 208 is in the stop position,control the controller to ensure pump 126 is on—if there is enough flowof water detected by sensor 184—and move valve 192 to second position196, sending permeate stream 190 to waste for a predetermined period oftime. The predetermined period of time is, preferably, a period of timesufficient to flush a desired amount of scale or debris that is withinRO filters 132 to waste outlet 198. The predetermined period of time maybe a set period or may be determined by controller based on inputs fromone or more of sensors 182, 184, 150, 152, 154, and 204. After thepredetermined period of time, controller 138 turns pump 126 off.

In other embodiments, system 110 can include a timer in controller 138that only activates the aforementioned shutdown mode when the controllerdetects that the system has been on for more than a predetermined periodof time. Here, the predetermined period of time within whichcontaminates build within RO filter 132 beyond a threshold. In someembodiments, system 110 is configured to use signals from sensor 152 orone or more other sensors to determine whether to begin flush the systemvia shutdown mode.

It is contemplated by the present disclosure for diversion controller206 to further include a concentrate flow control valve 214, whichpreferably is set to a predetermined level. Of course, it iscontemplated by the present disclosure for valve 214 to be useradjustable and/or adjustable via controller 138. Valve 214, whenpresent, ensures a minimum flow through RO filters 132 when valve 208 isclosed (i.e., in the start-up position) to reduce scaling and fouling.Valve 214 is preferably set to allow flow of concentrate stream 188regardless of the position of valve 208, which is believed to provide aconstant back pressure on RO filters 132—which allows controller 138 toperform an RO performance calculation under constant conditions.

In some embodiments, system 110 can include a back pressure regulator216 that fluidly communicates concentrate stream 188 to pump inlet 218.When the pressure within concentrate stream 188 exceeds a predeterminedback pressure, back pressure regulator 216 opens to divert a portion ofthe concentrate stream flow back to inlet 218 so that as pressureincreases in the concentrate stream, the flow through the regulatorincreases. Additionally, regulator 216 can be adjustable, manually orvia controller 138 or both, to adjust the pressure on RO filters 132.

Preferably, back pressure regulator 216 can be an adjustable mechanicalregulator. Of course, it is contemplated by the present disclosure forregulator 216 to be an electronic regulator that is in wired or wirelesscommunication with controller 138 so that the controller can control theregulator based on inputs from one or more of sensors 182, 184, 150,152, and 204.

Accordingly, system 110 is advantageously controlled and monitored bycontroller 138 and operated by the user via diversion controller 206 toselectively pass incoming water through filters 130, 132, 134 to provideconditioned water of desired quality, as well as to control the ratio ofconcentrate and permeate streams 188, 190.

It should be recognized that system 110 is described herein by way ofexample only. Of course, it is contemplated by the present disclosurefor system 110 to include any number of different conditioners that arefluidly connectable to one another in series, in parallel, and anycombinations thereof. Further, it is contemplated for controller 206 todetect one or more operational attributes of the pump 126 such as, butnot limited to, current, voltage, temperature, speed, pressure, andothers—and adjust the operation of system 110 based on these attributes.

Accordingly, system 110 is advantageously controlled and monitored bycontroller 138 and operated by the user via diversion controller 214 toselectively pass incoming water through filters 130, 132, 134 to provideconditioned water of desired quality. System 110 has both RO filters 132and DI filter 134 combined into a single easy to use system thatadvantageously include diversion controls that, in some embodiments,reduce the utilization of DI resin and extend the life of the RO filtersby flushing the membranes after use. In addition, system 110advantageously has diversion controls that allow the operator to easilybalance/control the ratio of permeate and concentrate streams 188, 190.Moreover, system 110 is configured monitor the performance of thepre-filter 130 and/or RO filters 132, which can extend the life of thefilters and further reduce costs.

Controller 138 is configured to determine the volume of concentratestream 188 and/or permeate stream 190 from the flow volumes detected byflow sensors 184, 204 or to detect the volume of the streams from otherflow sensors (not shown). It has been determined by the presentdisclosure that determining and controlling, both manually by the userand automatically via controller 138, the ratio of concentrate andpermeate streams 188, 190 can be useful to monitor the health state(i.e., the percent rejection) of the RO filters 132—allowing moreprecise determinations of when to replace the RO filters than waspreviously possible. By precisely determining the replacement of the ROfilters 132 can optimize the utilization of DI filter 134.

Controller 138 can be configured to verify an effectiveness orperformance of pre-filter 130 via sensor 150 and/or a comparison ofoutputs from one or more of sensors 182, 184, 150. Controller 138 isalso configured, in some embodiments, to determine a flow volumeprocessed by pre-filter 130 since replacement via sensor 184 so that thecontroller 138 can determine a remaining useful life of the pre-filter.In this manner, system 110 is configured to extend the life of the moreexpensive RO filters 132 by ensuring that water entering the RO filtersmeets a desired quality.

It has been determined by the present disclosure that of particularconcern when considering the performance of RO filter 132 is thechlorine level of water entering the RO filter. Accordingly, and in someembodiments, sensor 150 and/or sensor 184 can be configured to detectchlorine in the water before entering RO filter 132 and after pre-filter130. Pre-filter 130 can be an activated carbon filter and/or particlefilter to remove chlorine, debris, and other harmful components in theincoming water to protect not only the RO and DI filters 132, 134, butalso the sensors, pump, and other components of system 10.

Thus and in order to prevent undue damage to or utilization of ROfilters 132, controller 138 can be, in some embodiments, selectivelyconfigured so that in the event that the water after treatment bypre-filter 130 does not meet the desired quality, controller 138 can doone or more of notify the user (e.g. audible alarm, visual alarm, textalarm, email, etc.), turn pump 126 off, and move valve 192 to secondposition 196 to place permeate stream 190 in fluid communication withwaste water outlet 198, and others.

In order to prevent undue damage to or utilization of RO filters 132,controller 138 can be, in some embodiments, selectively configured tohave a predetermined acceptable TDS of water entering the RO filters asdetected at sensor 150. In the event that the TDS of the water at sensor150 exceeds the predetermined level, controller 138 can do one or moreof notify the user (e.g. audible alarm, visual alarm, text alarm, email,etc.), turn pump 126 off, and move valve 192 to second position 196 toplace permeate stream 190 in fluid communication with waste water outlet198, and others.

It has been determined by the present disclosure that the health orperformance of RO filters 132 can, in some embodiments, be determined bycontroller 138 comparing the TDS detected by sensor 152 to a known ordesired value.

It has been determined by the present disclosure that the health orperformance of RO filters 132 can, in some embodiments, be determined bycontroller 138 comparing the TDS before and after the RO filters asdetected by sensors 150, 152 and determining a percent rejection due tothe RO filter.

Without wishing to be bound by any particular theory, the percentrejection due to RO filters 132 is believed to be effected by variablesuch as, but not limited to water temperature, back pressure on thefilters, and other variables. Advantageously, system 110 is configuredto provide accurate reading of the percent of TDS reduction across ROfilters 132 by compensating for these variables in controller 138.

For example, system 110 is configured so that any one or more of sensors182, 150, 152 detect the water temperature. FIG. 11 illustrates aneffect on the percent rejection across RO filters 132 based ontemperature. This effect is illustrated at four different pressureswithin system 110.

Controller 138 is configured to adapt the calculated percent rejectionacross RO filters 132 based, at least in part, on the temperature.Additionally, system 110 is configured to maintain the backpressure onRO filters 132 to a predetermined range via regulator 216 and flowcontrol 214—such that controller 138 can select the best fit of thetemperature curves based on the pressure set at the regulator or use acalculation to estimate the impact of the temperature and adjust thecalculated percent rejection.

In other embodiments, controller 138 can measure the pressure withinsystem 110 and can adapt the calculated percent rejection across ROfilters 132 based, at least in part, on the temperature and the measuredpressure.

System 110 can include a heat exchanger (not shown) controlled bycontroller 138 to increase and/or decrease the temperature of the waterin the system, which can improve both the performance of RO filters 132and the measurement of this performance.

Simply stated, system 110 is configured to measure and/or control one ormore of the variables (e.g., pressure, temperature, etc.) that effectthe percent rejection across the RO filters 132. Without wishing to bebound by any particular theory, system 110 is in this manner adapted toimprove performance of the RO filters and improve, by adapting based onthe measured/controlled variables, the measurement of the percentrejection of RO filters 132.

It should be recognized that the various methods of determining thehealth or performance or efficiency of RO filters 132 is described aboveby way of example as being performed on all of the RO filterssimultaneously. Of course, it is contemplated by the present disclosurefor system 110 to include sufficient sensors in communication withcontroller 138 for the controller to differentiate between the health ofthe individual RO filters 132.

Measurement of the percent rejection across RO filters 132 has beendetermined by the present disclosure to be an important aspect ofdetermining when to replace the RO filters. An example of this can beseen with reference to FIG. 12. In this embodiment, DI filter 134 is afilter cartridge with a cost of $30 per cartridge. The percent rejectionacross RO filter 132 is illustrated from left to right and the number ofDI cartridges/cost of those cartridges necessary in order to provide aknown volume of pure water (assumed to be about 18,500 gallons) is shownfrom top to bottom at three different incoming water quality levels(i.e., 200 ppm, 400 ppm, and 800 ppm). Here, it can be seen that thenumber and cost of the DI cartridges increase as the percent rejectionacross RO filters 132 decreases (from left to right) and as the level ofdissolved solids in the incoming water increases (from top to bottom).

Advantageously, system 110 can be configured to track—for example, anaverage incoming water quality that system 110 is exposed to, maintainthat average in memory, and advise the user—based on that assumedincoming water quality and the calculated health (i.e., percentrejection) of RO filter 132 when it is most cost effective for the userto replace the RO filter 132. Of course, it is contemplated by thepresent disclosure that an end user can have a plurality of differentsystems 110, allowing them to select the most efficient of their systemsdepending on the particular task at hand—such as selecting a system thathas filters 130, 132, 134 of a particular health or efficiency for taskthat require low TDS (e.g. windows), but select a system of a lowerhealth for tasks that allow for higher TDS (e.g., solar arrays).

Further, it is contemplated by the present disclosure for system 110 touse GPS data as to the location of the system to determine an assumedincoming water quality in the aforementioned determination alone or incombination with current and/or historical measurements of the incomingwater quality. Here, the GPS data can indicate a known incoming waterquality previously measured by system 110 at that location or measuredby other systems 110 with which the particular system is incommunication with.

In this manner, system 110 is a referred to as a smart system, namelyone that learns or determines variables that effect the cost of use offilters 132, 134 and provides information to the user—based on thosevariables—as to how to optimize the use of the system.

When controller 138 detects at sensor 152 that the quality of permeatestream 190 is below a desired level for input into DI filter 134 and inorder to prevent undue depletion of resin in the DI filter, thecontroller can control system 110 to bypass around the DI filter so thatthe life of the resin is not reduced. For example, system 110 can bypassaround DI filter 134 by controller 138 moving valve 192 to secondposition 196 to place permeate stream 190 in fluid communication withwaste water outlet 198. Alternately, system 110 can bypass around DIfilter 135 by controlling valve 192 to move to the third position,placing RO filter 130 in fluid communication with outlet 202.Furthermore, system 110 can, via controller 138, can notify the user(e.g. audible alarm, visual alarm, text alarm, email, etc.) of thestatus and/or turn pump 126 off.

Accordingly, system 110 is configured to ensure that pre-filter 130 andRO filters 132 are replaced at the appropriate time—namely not beforethe performance of the pre-filter and RO filters are acceptable and notafter the performance drops to a level that utilizes resin in DI filter134 too rapidly. In this manner, system 110 is configured to extend thelife of the more expensive DI filter 134 by ensuring that water enteringthe DI filter meets a minimum TDS quality.

Further, system 110 is configured to ensure that the resin in DI filter134 is replaced only after it has been fully or substantially fullyutilized but before the TDS of water at outlet 202 remains acceptablefor the cleaning activity being performed.

In some embodiments, system 110 can separately communicate the health orperformance of pre-filter 130, RO filters 132, and DI filter 134 to theuser via display 42. The communication can be in the form of simple,easy to understand status states (e.g., green, yellow, red) or in theform of more complex numerical indicators that provide, for example, theactual TDS levels, a percent rejection across each of the filters, amembrane efficiency, gallons of purification remaining, and others.

Referring now to FIGS. 13 and 14 various status communications output bysystem 110 on display 42 of FIG. 8a regarding the health or operationalstatus of the system and one or more of filters 130, 132, 134. Here,system 110 can be configured to display to the user one or more of totalvolume of pure water produced, average incoming TDS, number of autoflushes completed, number of pre-filters changed, number of resinchanges, number of changes of the membranes in the RO filter, softwarerevision, total volume of water into system, average incoming water,total running time of pump, number of times system initiated, number ofby-passes, daily/weekly TDS, average permeate flow, average % membranerejection rate, instructions, warnings, status of the system, and othersand any combinations thereof.

It should also be noted that the terms “first”, “second”, “third”,“upper”, “lower”, and the like may be used herein to modify variouselements. These modifiers do not imply a spatial, sequential, orhierarchical order to the modified elements unless specifically stated.

While the present disclosure has been described with reference to one ormore exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled inthe art that various changes may be made and equivalents may besubstituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of thepresent disclosure. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapta particular situation or material to the teachings of the disclosurewithout departing from the scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended thatthe present disclosure not be limited to the particular embodiment(s)disclosed as the best mode contemplated, but that the disclosure willinclude all embodiments falling within the scope of any claims hereafterpresented.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for conditioning water, the methodcomprising: flowing water through a water conditioner of a portablewater conditioning system, wherein a direction of flow is through thewater conditioner, a reverse osmosis stage, and a deionizing stage;detecting a first condition of the water before the reverse osmosisstage of the portable water conditioning system; detecting a secondcondition of the water after the reverse osmosis stage, the firstcondition and the second condition each comprising a level of totaldissolved solids in the water; determining a percent rejection of thereverse osmosis stage based on the first and second conditions when apressure on the reverse osmosis stage is at a known state; and divertinga portion of the water exiting the reverse osmosis stage out of theportable water conditioning system and maintaining the pressure at theknown state.
 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising providingconditioned water having a desired condition from the portable waterconditioning system.
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the desiredcondition is based on a location of the portable water conditioningsystem.
 4. The method of claim 1, further comprising outputtingconditioned water from the portable water conditioning system.
 5. Themethod of claim 4, further comprising generating a warning statusnotification when the conditioned water from the portable waterconditioning system is below a predetermined water quality.
 6. Themethod of claim 5, further comprising communicating the warning statusnotification directly to a remote system, wherein the warning statusnotification is at least one of an audible notification, a visualnotification, a text message, and an email communication.
 7. The methodof claim 1, further comprising adjusting a flow path of the waterthrough the reverse osmosis stage based on the first and secondconditions.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the detecting of the firstcondition employs a first sensor and the detecting of the secondcondition employs a second sensor.
 9. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising determining the percent rejection of the reverse osmosisstage based on a plurality of variables effecting an accuracy ofdetermination of the percent rejection.
 10. The method of claim 1,wherein the maintaining of the pressure at the known state employs adiversion device.
 11. The method of claim 1, further comprisingdetecting a third condition of the water after the deionizing stage. 12.The method of claim 11, further comprising adjusting the flow path ofthe water through at least one of the reverse osmosis stage and thedeionizing stage based on the first condition, the second condition, andthe third condition.
 13. The method of claim 11, further comprisingdetermining a health status of the deionization stage based the secondcondition and the third condition.
 14. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising boosting the pressure of the water flowing through the waterconditioner.
 15. The method of claim 1, further comprising recirculatingthe portion of the water exiting the reverse osmosis stage.
 16. Themethod of claim 1, further comprising generating a notificationregarding a status of one or more portions of the water conditioner. 17.The method of claim 1, further comprising determining and storing inmemory an assumed incoming water quality.
 18. The method of claim 17,wherein the determining of the assumed incoming water quality is basedon at least one of an average of a plurality of prior total dissolvedsolids measurements and a known water quality.
 19. The method of claim17, further comprising determining whether or not to change a membraneof the reverse osmosis stage based on the assumed incoming water qualityand the percent rejection of the reverse osmosis stage.
 20. The methodof claim 1, further comprising pre-filtering incoming water before thereverse osmosis stage.